Amy and Justin Monger celebrated their wedding in Cincinnati on June 28, 2025, with a heartfelt twist that left the groom stunned and guests delighted.
At a Glance
- The couple’s 6-year-old Bernedoodle Everest and 11-year-old brindle mutt Leila served as flower girls.
- A secret plan involving their dog sitter, Natalie, and ring bearer Evan Brannon made the surprise possible.
- The ceremony at Story Woods Park and the reception at Amy’s parents’ house were coordinated to accommodate the dogs.
Why it matters: The Mongers’ choice highlights how pets can become integral to wedding traditions, offering a fresh take on the classic flower girl role.
Wedding Surprise: Dogs as Flower Girls
During the first look, Amy revealed that she had arranged for Everest and Leila to walk down the aisle. “Everyone knows how much Leila and Everest mean to us, so it warmed people’s hearts to see that they got to be there and be a part of our special day,” Amy told the outlet.
Justin was “genuinely shocked” when the pups appeared. “My groomsmen and I left the house at the same time our dog sitter arrived,” he said. “Little did I know, our dog sitter was waiting for us to leave and packing up the dogs and bringing them shortly after we left.”
Planning the Surprise
Amy, 28, had always wanted to surprise Justin on their big day. She secretly arranged the dogs to be part of the ceremony because, as a dog mom and dad, she “couldn’t imagine not having them a part of our day in some way. They are like our children.”
The plan began a week before the wedding when Natalie, the hired dog sitter, met with Amy. The bride gave Natalie collars adorned with baby’s breath, matching the bouquets and centerpieces. The simple white flowers tied the look together.
- Dog roles: Everest and Leila walked down the aisle as flower girls.
- Dog sitter: Natalie coordinated the dogs’ transportation from Amy’s parents’ house to Story Woods Park.
- Ring bearer: Evan Brannon, a neighbor and close friend, carried the dogs during the ceremony.
The Ceremony
The wedding took place at Story Woods Park, just steps from Amy’s parents’ house where the reception was held. This proximity allowed for easy coordination of the dogs’ movement.
The clip of the first look, posted on TikTok by LinaBFilm, shows the pups running out, tails wagging, into the couple’s open arms. The moment captured the joy and surprise of the groom.
During the ceremony, the dogs did not stay for the remainder of the event. Amy explained that this decision “kept things moving and less chaotic.”
After the Event
Following the ceremony, the couple shared handwritten promises with each other. Amy expressed that she would choose her “well-behaved and sweet” pets over traditional flower girls any day. “Justin and I wanted our wedding to be intimate, simple, and some things nontraditional, which is why I think Justin never questioned not having flower girls,” she said.
The Mongers’ wedding illustrates how personalized touches can transform a traditional celebration into a memorable experience for both the couple and their guests.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 21, 2025 | Secret meeting with dog sitter Natalie; collars and arrangements finalized |
| June 26, 2025 | First look clip posted on TikTok by LinaBFilm |
| June 28, 2025 | Wedding ceremony at Story Woods Park; dogs walk down the aisle |
| June 28, 2025 | Reception at Amy’s parents’ house; dogs leave before the end of the ceremony |
The Mongers’ story demonstrates that with thoughtful planning, beloved pets can become a central part of wedding traditions, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
